Maria J. Cruz, a talented Vancouver, BC-born actress, embarked on her professional theatre journey while still a student at the University of British Columbia's Theatre program. Her breakthrough role as "Tina" in the longest-running stage play in Vancouver, 'Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding', saw her marry hundreds of times to various "Tony's", solidifying her presence on the Vancouver and Toronto stages, including the renowned Second City.
Maria's acting chops are particularly well-suited to acerbic comedic roles and classical performances, having received numerous positive reviews for her work in Restoration plays. After taking a brief hiatus to pursue her Master's degree in Museum studies shortly after the turn of the millennium, she returned to her first love of acting over six years ago and has since continued to follow her passion.
Maria's impressive resume boasts two recurring roles as a nanny: on the 1999 NBC remake 'Cold Feet' and the upcoming 'Girlfriend's Guide to Divorce', Bravo TV's inaugural scripted series. This year, she had the unique opportunity to perform her one-woman stage play in both Portuguese and English at the 'Azores International Fringe Festival', situated in the middle of the Atlantic. Maria is now set to take on the multifaceted role of creator, producer, and actor in SMAK!Productions' independent Feature Film, 'The Parties'.
